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Contrasting Agile & Waterfall

During the MSIS program

During your time in the MSIS program you will be required to partake in simulations and group projects that will take advantage of both agile and waterfall. As a result, it is expected that you will enter the program with a knowledge of these two methodologies. They are meant to aid teams throughout the development lifecycle on projects surrounding technology. However, as time has gone on, various other industries have begun to adopt these very methodologies to assist with their internal projects.

If you have yet to read up on these two methodologies please navigate to the following links:

Major concepts

You should be able to leverage your knowledge of both agile and waterfall in order to make informed project planning decisions that will benefit you throughout your studies and career.

  1. Recognize the key components related to the two methodologies.
  2. Understand the advantages and disadvantages associated with each methodology
  3. Be able to determine which methodology will best serve an outlined project.

Resources

Stacey Matrix

Waterfall Methodology LifecycleThe above two images showcase the Stacey Matrix, a tool used to better determine which methodology you and/or your team should use when engaged on a project.1

  • Waterfall vs. Agile2 This article outlines both waterfall and agile, while discussing the benefits and disadvantages of both, their components, as well as how to choice between the two.

  • When to use waterfall, when agile?3 This article introduces the Stacey Matrix, which can be used to help determine when to use either agile or waterfall.

  • Agile Glossary and Terminology4 Throughout this resource you will find terms directly related to the agile methodology and its components. This will allow you to be better prepared for conversations with those throughout your coursework as well as employers.

  • Difference between Agile and Waterfall5 The following video outlines the components and benefits of each methodology while detailing their specific use. Difference between Agile and Waterfall

  • Agile vs Waterfall6 This video touches on the biggest differences between agile and waterfall; which can lead to you making more informed decisions between the two. Agile vs Waterfall

  • When Does Agile Work Best?7 The following video aims to provide further examples of when using agile is in your best interest as a project planner. When Does Agile Work Best?

  • When to use Waterfall Model8 This video dives into details surrounding the steps, advantages, and use cases for waterfall. When to use Waterfall Model

Practice

Below you will find an assortment short answer questions relating to both agile and waterfall. These are meant to test your knowledge regarding the previously outlined material. Answers Provided

  1. What is the Waterfall methodology?
  2. What are the seven phases of Waterfall?
  3. Within Agile, what is the optimal sprint duration?
  4. What is a project scope?
  5. What is scope creep?
  6. When using Agile, do you continuously communicate with the client and/or team while producing deliverables?
  7. What is Agile?
  8. Within Waterfall does testing occur at the beginning or end of a project?
  9. Between Agile and Waterfall, which of the two methodologies is more adaptive?
  10. Who is a product owner? What methodology are they apart of?
  11. Can sprints exceed a month?
  12. In regard to Waterfall, which stage is most likely to require you to revisit earlier phases?
  13. Identify the four core values within the Agile Manifesto:
  14. In relation to Agile, what does the MoSCoW acronym represent?
  15. If you are tasked with a project that requires frequent updates would you be better served with Agile or Waterfall?
  16. List a few of the obstacles associated with a team becoming ‘Agile’:
  17. What is the purpose of the Analysis phase?
  18. What is technical debt?
  19. What is Empiricism?
  20. What is RAD?

  1. Maretzke, Michael. “When to use waterfall, when agile?” Agile - Minds, 12 March. 2019 ↩

  2. Lotz, Mary. “Waterfall vs. Agile: Which is the Right Development Methodology for Your Project?” SegueTech, 5 July. 2018 ↩

  3. Maretzke, Michael. “When to use waterfall, when agile?” Agile - Minds, 12 March. 2019 ↩

  4. “Agile Glossary and Terminology” Agile Alliance ↩

  5. Intellipaat. “Agile vs Waterfall Methodology | Difference between Agile and Waterfall | Intellipaat” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 7 Feb 2020 Web. 22 January 2021. ↩

  6. StormWind Studios. “When Does Agile Work Best? How to Decide Between Agile and Waterfall?” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 16 Feb 2018 Web. 22 January 2021. ↩

  7. OeLean. “When Does Agile Work Best? How to Decide Between Agile and Waterfall?” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 16 March 2020 Web. 22 January 2021. ↩

  8. OeLean. “When Does Agile Work Best? How to Decide Between Agile and Waterfall?” Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube, 16 March 2020 Web. 22 January 2021. ↩